2/21/2013 |
Votto added to Team Canada roster for ClassicReds first baseman Joey Votto has been added to the roster of Team Canada for the World Baseball Classic. Whether Votto actually plays for his country remains unresolved. Votto was left off of the original provisional roster submitted last month.

2/21/2013 |
After first 'pen session, Haren lists spring goalsDan Haren took the mound to face hitters for the first time this spring on Thursday, and the newest member of the Nationals' rotation said he intends to slow things down in his upcoming bullpen sessions before he makes his first Spring Training start Feb. 27.

2/21/2013 |
Ankiel bringing rocket-powered arm to AstrosOf all the things Rick Ankiel brings to the Astros, perhaps the one dynamic where he might make the biggest difference is in right field, where his rocket-powered arm has long been considered one of the best in the game.

2/21/2013 |
Trout, Miggy bond after AL MVP raceOver the last few months -- while caught in the middle of a heated, old school vs. new school MVP debate -- Mike Trout and Miguel Cabrera have built a friendship.

2/21/2013 |
MLB reportedly gives A's outline for potential moveThere appears to be some traction regarding the A's ongoing stadium situation, with the Los Angeles Times reporting on Thursday that Major League Baseball has provided the club with an outline for a potential move to San Jose.

2/21/2013 |
Sans spotlight, Lawrie poised to realize potentialThough Brett Lawrie didn't light MLB on fire as some predicted, his first full year with the Blue Jays demonstrated flashes of greatness that he intends to fully realize this season, with the help of mentor Mark DeRosa, writes Anthony Castrovince.

2/21/2013 |
Johnson being cautious with full season in mindLast spring, Jim Johnson was slowed to start camp due to a back issue. A year later, the Orioles closer is coming off a team-record 51 saves, and Johnson is again being brought along a little slower.

2/21/2013 |
Focused on rebound, Doc content to follow HamelsMuch is made about the Opening Day starter, but the person who might care least is Roy Halladay. Cole Hamels is expected to get the nod, although the Phillies have not made an official announcement.

2/21/2013 |
Top starters to ease into Cactus League actionWith the Cactus League schedule stretched out to accommodate the World Baseball Classic, Royals manager Ned Yost decided to skip James Shields, Jeremy Guthrie, Ervin Santana and Wade Davis in the first four games.

2/21/2013 |
Holland believes Classic will give him an edgeDerek Holland is scheduled to start for the Rangers on Friday against the Royals in the first game this spring. The plan is for Holland to throw 50 pitches over three innings.

2/21/2013 |
Rondon clearly on the fast track toward successGo ahead, try to tell Tigers reliever Bruce Rondon he shouldn't be a closer on a World Series team. He has heard worse. After all, this is the kid somebody thought shouldn't be pitching at all.

2/21/2013 |
Szczur's football roots ring familiar at Cubs campCubs prospect Matt Szczur is adjusting to life as a pro ballplayer after dedicating most of time at Villanova to the football team. Manager Dale Sveum and pitcher Jeff Samardzija can relate.

2/21/2013 |
Amid storm, Braun finds sanctuary in clubhouseOutside the Maryvale Baseball Park clubhouse on Wednesday, a storm brewed and yet the Brewers went about their work. The storm clouds can't get inside the clubhouse, where, for the past year, Ryan Braun has enjoyed his oasis. For all of the questions he faces on the outside, he is safe on the inside to go about his business.

2/21/2013 |
Hamilton using spring to ease into outfield switchStolen base champion Billy Hamilton is making the difficult transition from shortstop to center field, and the Reds have been using former star outfielder Eric Davis -- also an infielder at the start of his career -- to tutor Hamilton as he makes the switch.

2/21/2013 |
Sarah's Take: Dodgers looking up at GiantsThe Dodgers could have the largest payroll in MLB history this season, but the Giants have the experience and intangibles to be the best of the NL West again in 2013.

2/21/2013 |
Napoli about a week from game actionThe only projected Opening Day starters who weren't scheduled to get any at-bats for the Red Sox during Thursday's college exhibition game against Northeastern University? Mike Napoli and David Ortiz.

2/21/2013 |
Farrell sees offensive improvement from IglesiasIf Jose Iglesias had proved he could hit at the Major League level during his trial run late last season, the Red Sox likely would not have acquired Stephen Drew. But to Iglesias' credit, he hasn't moped about the situation. Instead, he continues to work.

2/21/2013 |
For Crawford, a case of art imitating lifeAs last season progressed, so did Brandon Crawford's excellence. He committed 12 errors in his first 59 games before being charged with just six miscues afterward. Long before the season ended, the Giants knew they had a blossoming talent at shortstop.

2/21/2013 |
McGwire brings fresh approach to DodgersIn the last 15 years, the Dodgers have had 10 hitting coaches. Mark McGwire makes 11. McGwire, who minimizes mechanics and focuses on approach, studied all Dodgers hitters during the offseason and came to Spring Training ready to work.